Homemade Easter Buns

Every bunny loves a good Easter Bun, whether traditional, fruit-free or chocolate chip, and we couldn't pass up the opportunity to whip up a batch of our own.

We've gone traditional fruit, but you could easily substitute the fruit for some of our yummy organic chocolate chips, or even swap out the spices for your fave (nutmeg and cinnamon are always winners). 

Your home will smell divine while these are baking, so don't forget to invite your friends, family, neighbours or your crush over for a warm bun, straight from the oven. 

This recipe makes 12 buns;

Ingredients:

For the buns

• 4 cups standard grade flour
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons baker's dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1.5 teaspoons mixed spice
• 1/2 cup raisins or currants
• 1/2 cup mixed peel 
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

• 1/2 cup standard grade flour
• 4-6 tablespoons water

• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon apricot jam

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and mixed spice
2. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until the dough comes together.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and fold in the raisins and mixed peel, knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
7. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place on a baking sheet or silicone baking mat. Make sure to leave some space between each ball.
8. Cover the buns with a clean towel and let rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
9. While the buns are rising, preheat the oven to 190°C.
10. If making crosses, whisk together the flour and water until a smooth paste forms. Transfer the mixture to a reusable piping bag or reuse a small plastic bag with a corner snipped off.
11. Once the buns have risen, pipe crosses onto each one.
12. Bake the buns for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
13. While the buns are baking, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, heat the sugar, water, and apricot jam over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
14. Brush the glaze over the hot buns as soon as they come out of the oven.
15. Let the buns cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your homemade hot cross buns!